u/boolean_union

I thought the release of this Sony lens was interesting as it is very similar to the RF 100-400. As reviews have noticed, it suggests that Canon's 'slow' yet affordable lens is actually a winning formula. I was curious about the differences, so a few below:

Price

Sony is $849, Canon is $749 (though it launched at $650, and is often available refurb for even less).

Build

Both lenses are nearly identical in terms of size and weight. The Sony offers dust and moisture resistant gaskets and includes a lens hood, both of which the Canon lacks. Sony has a custom function button (which the Canon lacks), and Canon has a control ring (which the Sony lacks), so kind of a wash there.

Aperture

Both have the same 'slow' variable aperture range, though I was curious to compare the focal lengths at which they change:

Sony on left, Canon on right:

f/5.6 - 100 to 134mm - 100 to 122mm

f/6.3 - 135 to 179mm - 123 to 155mm

f/7.1 - 180 to 219mm - 156 to 258mm

f/8 --- 220 to 400mm - 259 to 400mm

(stats from Peta Pixel & Dustin Abbott)

So the Sony holds f/5.6 and f/6.3 a bit longer, but the Canon holds f/7.1 longer (which is more useful in my opinion).

Thoughts

Image quality, autofocus, and magnification look to be pretty much the same based on the reviews I've seen, but a direct comparison might reveal which one of these lenses is the 'winner.' Assuming they do end up being more or less the same on that front, it seems like the Sony might be slightly better value - you get a lens hood and some weather sealing for only $100 more. Canon doesn't tend to provide these for non-L lenses (the RF 28-70 f2.8 is an example of a non-L that does include weather resistance, but still no hood). So hopefully this competition means that if we ever get a RF 100-400ii, it includes these items.

But at the end of the day, I'm perfectly happy with my RF 100-400, particularly given it was purchased refurb. Anyway thanks for reading if you're also a lens nerd - would be interested to know other thoughts as well!